Rep. Mast compares teachers unions to school bullies

Celia Llopis-Jepsen

Thursday

Jan 24, 2013 at 4:03 PM

Rep. Peggy Mast compared teachers unions to school bullies Thursday and suggested a bill to prohibit the labor organizations from collecting contributions through payroll deductions would help end their unscrupulous tactics.

After hearing testimony on House Bill 2023 on Wednesday, members of the House Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development debated and passed the bill Thursday 10 to 5.

The bill would prevent members of professional organizations from paying dues or other contributions through payroll deductions — if the money is to be used for political activities.

In Thursday’s debate, Democrats called the bill deceptive and disrespectful, while Republicans spoke of the need to protect teachers and steered clear of arguments made Wednesday by the Kansas Chamber, whose lobbyist, Eric Stafford, testified the bill would help destroy public-sector unions.

Republicans on the committee emphasized the bill wouldn’t prohibit teachers from donating to unions or make it illegal for such organizations to have political action committees.

Rep. Steve Brunk, R-Wichita, said members of groups who had testified a day earlier against the bill had used hyperbole and exaggerated the situation to the point that it put him on the defensive and made it difficult to examine the bill honestly.

Rep. Travis Couture-Lovelady, R-Palco, said the bill would offer teachers extra protection against pressure from unions, a sentiment shared by Mast, R-Emporia.